国际胃袖状切除专家共识：基于〉12000手术病例的最佳操作指南

腹腔镜胃袖状切除术（1aparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy,LSG）系相对较新的减重手术方式。因其操作相对简单、治疗肥胖合并疾病及减重效果明显,逐步得以广泛接受。目前美国代谢与减重手术协会将其推荐为肥胖症治疗的单独标准术式。2011年3月25～26日,     

Reoperative surgery for nonresponders and complicated sleeve gastrectomy operations in patients with severe obesity. An international expert panel consensus statement to define best practice guidelines

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has rapidly become the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the United States as well as other countries, with approximately 120,000 procedures being performed annually in the United States. Reoperative interventions after SG have become more prevalent in the past few years since the initial development of SG as a primary operation. Given the expected rapid growth of these reinterventions, an expert consensus conference was held with some of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the world to better understand, discuss, and provide consensus on the reasons, indications, contraindications, and surgical options for nonresponders and complicated SG operations.

对《国际袖状胃切除术专家组共识》的理解及我们的经验

为了规范病态性肥胖症和肥胖症伴2型糖尿病的手术治疗,2011年3月,来自世界各地的外科专家聚集在美国佛罗里达州,讨论并制定了《国际袖状胃切除术专家组共识：基于12000例经验的最佳实践指南》,对袖状胃切除术的外科路径标准化方面作出了有益的尝试。上海第二军医大学长海医院徽创外科结合开展病态性肥胖症并2型糖尿病手术治疗10多年的经验以及对上述《共识》的理解,对《共识》中提到的袖状胃切除术的学习曲线、术前准备、适应证与禁忌证、手术技术及并发症预防与处理、术后管理等方面谈了自己的体会。     

Diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. EAES consensus development conference 2015

Unequivocal international guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with acute appendicitis are lacking. The aim of the consensus meeting 2015 of the EAES was to generate a European guideline based on best available evidence and expert opinions of a panel of EAES members. After a systematic review of the literature by an international group of surgical research fellows, an expert panel with extensive clinical experience in the management of appendicitis discussed statements and recommendations. Statements and recommendations with more than 70 % agreement by the experts were selected for a web survey and the consensus meeting of the EAES in Bucharest in June 2015. EAES members and attendees at the EAES meeting in Bucharest could vote on these statements and recommendations. In the case of more than 70 % agreement, the statement or recommendation was defined as supported by the scientific community. Results from both the web survey and the consensus meeting in Bucharest are presented as percentages. In total, 46 statements and recommendations were selected for the web survey and consensus meeting. More than 232 members and attendees voted on them. In 41 of 46 statements and recommendations, more than 70 % agreement was reached. All 46 statements and recommendations are presented in this paper. They comprise topics regarding the diagnostic work-up, treatment indications, procedural aspects and post-operative care. The consensus meeting produced 46 statements and recommendations on the diagnostic work-up and management of appendicitis. The majority of the EAES members supported these statements. These consensus proceedings provide additional guidance to surgeons and surgical residents providing care to patients with appendicitis.     

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腹腔镜袖状胃切除术(laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy,LSG)是近年开展的减重手术,由于其操作简单,并发症少,减重及治疗代谢性疾病效果理想,可行性强,受到越来越多专科医师、病人及医疗服务机构的重视并得到了广泛临床应用。针对亚洲病态性肥胖及胃肠疾病特点可能其更具有应用意义。明确手术适应证、禁忌证,规范操作技术标准和流程是提高手术疗效和减少手术并发症的重要保证。国际上最新的专家共识解读有利于国内临床工作的顺利开展。     

Eschar removal by bromelain based enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®) in burns: European consensus guidelines update

IntroductionBromelain-based Enzymatic Debridement has been introduced as an additional concept to the burn surgeon's armamentarium and is best indicated for mid-to deep dermal burns with mixed patterns. Increasing evidence has been published focusing on special regions and settings as well as on limitations of Enzymatic Debridement to improve patient care. To better guide Enzymatic Debridement in view of the increasing experience, there is a need to update the formerly published consensus guidelines with user-orientated recommendations, which were last produced in 2017.MethodsA multi-professional expert panel of plastic surgeons and burn care specialists from twelve European centers was convened, to assist in developing current recommendations for best practices with use of Enzymatic Debridement. Consensus statements were based on peer-reviewed publications and clinical relevance, and topics for re-evaluation and refinement were derived from the formerly published European guidelines. For consensus agreement, the methodology employed was an agreement algorithm based on a modification of the Willy and Stellar method. For this study on Enzymatic Debridement, consensus was considered when there was at least 80 % agreement to each statement.ResultsThe updated consensus guidelines from 2019 refer to the clinical experience and practice patterns of 1232 summarized patient cases treated by the panelists with ED in Europe (2017: 500 cases), reflecting the impact of the published recommendations. Forty-three statements were formulated, addressing the following topics: indications, pain management and anesthesia, large surface treatment, timing of application for various indications, preparation and application, post-interventional wound management, skin grafting, outcome, scar and revision management, cost-effectiveness, patient´s perspective, logistic aspects and training strategies. The degree of consensus was remarkably high, with consensus in 42 out of 43 statements (97.7%). A classification with regard to timing of application for Enzymatic Debridement was introduced, discriminating immediate/very early (≤12 h), early (12−72 h) or delayed (>72 h) treatment. All further recommendations are addressed in the publication.ConclusionsThe updated guidelines in this publication represent further refinement of the recommended indication, application and post-interventional management for the use of ED. The published statements contain detailed, user-orientated recommendations aiming to align current and future users and prevent pitfalls, e.g. for the successful implementation of ED in further countries like the USA. The significance of this work is reflected by the magnitude of patient experience behind it, larger than the total number of patients treated in all published ED clinical trials.     

Análisis del tratamiento quirúrgico más apropiado para la colecistitis aguda mediante aplicación del método RAND/UCLA

IntroductionAcute cholecystitis (AC) is a common indication for cholecystectomy. Local circumstances and certain patient characteristics lead to high failure rates and complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and despite the experience gained, we still do not have a detailed list of indications which could minimise them.Material and methodWe used the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) to evaluate 2 options, LC and open cholecystectomy (OC). An expert panel analysed its suitability after a literature review, a consensus meeting, and 2 rounds of scores on different clinical situations. The score of each scenario was analysed to establish the appropriateness level of each option.ResultsAt the end of the meeting there were 64 defined scenarios, with an agreement being reached on the indications in 67.18% of them. In 86.04% of the scenarios, the agreement was due to the appropriateness of the indications. When cholecystectomy was indicated, it was always by laparoscopy, while it was only occasionally by laparotomy. In patients with less than 72 h of onset, LC was always considered appropriate when there was sepsis, or even without this if the ultrasound data showed complicated AC.ConclusionsThere is still uncertainty as regards the management of AC, especially as regards the timing of the operation and the surgical approach, particularly in frail patients and with a clinical onset greater than 72 h. The RAND method can help to make decisions on the appropriateness of different therapeutic options.     

Practices concerning sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey: A survey of surgeons

BACKGROUNDLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric surgical procedure. LSG is a restrictive procedure and in this operation stomach volume is greatly reduced. When the details of the procedure are examined, it is seen that there are many different methods surgery.AIMTo analyze approaches of surgeons performing LSG.METHODSA questionnaire consist of 44 questions was sent by e-mail to the surgeons performing bariatric surgery. Approaches of surgery about preoperative period, surgical techniques and postoperative period was questioned.RESULTSDifferent approaches about antibiotic prophylaxis, stapler line reinforcement utilization, application of intraoperative and postoperative leakage test, approach to the crus and hiatal hernia repair were detected. It was observed that a few partipicipants applied contrary to the guidelines of antibiotic prophlaxis and thromboembolism prophylaxis. Approaches about other subjects were generally similar.CONCLUSIONIn this study, approaches about LSG that most common bariatric surgical procedure in our country was learned. According to these results, knowing the approaches in our country will be beneficial in terms of determining the training programs in bariatric surgery, improving surgical results and reducing the complications.     

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2022 Expert Consensus Document: The use of mechanical circulatory support in lung transplantation

ObjectiveThe use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in lung transplantation has been steadily increasing over the prior decade, with evolving strategies for incorporating support in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings. There is significant practice variability in the use of these techniques, however, and relatively limited data to help establish institutional protocols. The objective of the AATS Clinical Practice Standards Committee (CPSC) expert panel was to review the existing literature and establish recommendations about the use of MCS before, during, and after lung transplantation.MethodsThe AATS CPSC assembled an expert panel of 16 lung transplantation physicians who developed a consensus document of recommendations. The panel was broken into subgroups focused on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative support, and each subgroup performed a focused literature review. These subgroups formulated recommendation statements for each subtopic, which were evaluated by the entire group. The statements were then developed via discussion among the panel and refined until consensus was achieved on each statement.ResultsThe expert panel achieved consensus on 36 recommendations for how and when to use MCS in lung transplantation. These recommendations included the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridging strategy in the preoperative setting, a preference for central veno-arterial ECMO over traditional cardiopulmonary bypass during the transplantation procedure, and the benefit of supporting selected patients with MCS postoperatively.ConclusionsAchieving optimal results in lung transplantation requires the use of a wide range of strategies. MCS provides an important mechanism for helping these critically ill patients through the peritransplantation period. Despite the complex nature of the decision making process in the treatment of these patients, the expert panel was able to achieve consensus on 36 recommendations. These recommendations should provide guidance for professionals involved in the care of end-stage lung disease patients considered for transplantation.     

Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Total Joint Arthroplasty: An International Tertiary Care Center Survey

Background

Prevention strategies are critical to reduce infection rates in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but evidence-based consensus guidelines on prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) remain heterogeneous and do not necessarily represent this particular patient population.

Questions/Purposes

What infection prevention measures are recommended by consensus evidence-based guidelines for prevention of periprosthetic joint infection? How do these recommendations compare to expert consensus on infection prevention strategies from orthopedic surgeons from the largest international tertiary referral centers for TJA?

Patients and Methods

A review of consensus guidelines was undertaken as described by Merollini et al. Four clinical guidelines met inclusion criteria: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''s, British Orthopedic Association, National Institute of Clinical Excellence''s, and National Health and Medical Research Council''s (NHMRC). Twenty-eight recommendations from these guidelines were used to create an evidence-based survey of infection prevention strategies that was administered to 28 orthopedic surgeons from members of the International Society of Orthopedic Centers. The results between existing consensus guidelines and expert opinion were then compared.

Results

Recommended strategies in the guidelines such as prophylactic antibiotics, preoperative skin preparation of patients and staff, and sterile surgical attire were considered critically or significantly important by the surveyed surgeons. Additional strategies such as ultraclean air/laminar flow, antibiotic cement, wound irrigation, and preoperative blood glucose control were also considered highly important by surveyed surgeons, but were not recommended or not uniformly addressed in existing guidelines on SSI prevention.

Conclusion

Current evidence-based guidelines are incomplete and evidence should be updated specifically to address patient needs undergoing TJA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-013-9369-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Italian recommendations on enzymatic debridement in burn surgery

IntroductionNexobrid®, a bromelain-based type of enzymatic debridement, has become more prevalent in recent years. We present the recommendations on enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®)’s role based on the practice knowledge of expert Italian users.MethodsThe Italian recommendations, endorsed by SIUST (Italian Society of Burn Surgery), on using enzymatic debridement to remove eschars for burn treatment were defined. The definition followed a process to evaluate the level of agreement (a measure of consensus) among selected experts, representing Italian burn centers, concerning defined clinical aspects of enzymatic debridement. The consensus involved a multi-phase process based on the Delphi method.ResultsThe consensus panel included experts from Italy with a combined experience of 1068 burn patients treated with enzymatic debridement. At the end of round 3 of the Delphi method, the panel reached 100% consensus on 26 out of 27 statements. The panel achieved full, strong consensus (all respondents strongly agreed on the statement) on 24 out of 27 statements.DiscussionThe statements provided by the Italian consensus panel represent a “ready to use” set of recommendations for enzymatic debridement in burn surgery that both draw from and complete the existing scientific literature on the topic. These recommendations are specific to the Italian experience and are neither static nor definitive. As such, they will be updated periodically as further quality evidence becomes available.     

Prevention and treatment of bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the clinical practice guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in Europe (and the world) and has become the standard procedure for the management of symptomatic cholelithiasis or acute cholecystitis in patients without specific contraindications. Bile duct injuries (BDI) are rare but serious complications that can occur during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Prevention and management of BDI has given rise to a host of publications but very few recommendations, especially in Europe.

Methods

A systematic research of the literature was performed. An international expert panel was invited to appraise the current literature and to develop evidence-based recommendations. Statements and recommendations were drafted after a consensus development conference in May 2011, followed by presentation and discussion at the annual congress of the EAES held in Torino in June 2011. Finally, full guidelines were consented and adopted by the expert panel via e-mail and web conference.

Results

A total of 1,765 publications were identified through the systematic literature search and additional submission by panellists; 671 publications were selected as potentially relevant. Only 46 publications fulfilled minimal methodological criteria to support Clinical Practice Guidelines recommendations. Because the level of evidence was low for most of the studies, most statements or recommendations had to be based on consensus of opinion among the panel members. A total of 15 statements and recommendations were developed covering the following topics: classification of injuries, epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and management of BDI.

Conclusions

Because BDI is a rare event, it is difficult to generate evidence for prevention, diagnosis, or the management of BDI from clinical studies. Nevertheless, the panel has formulated recommendations. Due to the currently limited evidence, a European registry should be considered to collect and analyze more valid data on BDI upon which recommendations can be based.     

Imaging for the diagnosis and follow-up of ankylosing spondylitis: development of recommendations for clinical practice based on published evidence and expert opinion

ObjectiveTo develop recommendations regarding imaging studies for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with axial forms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) seen in everyday practice.MethodsEvidence from the literature and expert opinion were used to develop the recommendations. Using the Delphi consensus procedure, a scientific committee selected five areas of interest, about which scientific evidence was sought by searching Medline and the databases maintained by the French Society for Rheumatology, European League against Rheumatism, and American College of Rheumatology. Based on this evidence, a panel of experienced rheumatologists drafted recommendations, using expert opinion if needed to supplement gaps in evidence. For each recommendation, the level of evidence and the extent of agreement among the experts were specified.ResultsThe five areas of interest dealt with the usefulness of imaging studies for the diagnosis, follow-up, prognostic evaluation, and assessment of treatment responses in patients with AS. The literature search retrieved 144 articles based on titles and abstracts. After elimination of articles that did not include an analysis of the radiological evaluation of AS, 73 articles were left for review. Eight recommendations were drafted then validated by having all panel participants vote during a final meeting.ConclusionEight recommendations about the use of imaging studies in patients with AS were developed. They can be expected to improve clinical practice uniformity and, in the longer term, to optimize the management of patients with AS.     

Can complex surgical interventions be standardized? Reaching international consensus on posterior sagittal anorectoplasty using a modified-Delphi method

Background/PurposeIn an effort to standardize educational experience, address future physician shortages, and improve quality of care to patients, many surgical specialties are discussing how to maximize exposure to index cases. One solution being explored is telementoring, which requires a well-developed educational curriculum with intraoperative objectives. The American College of Surgery Telementoring Task Force selected anorectal malformation and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for the repair of imperforate anus as the initial educational focus for this pilot. The purpose of this study was to obtain international consensus on intraoperative learning objectives for a complex surgical procedure.MethodsA multidisciplinary team of medical educators and pediatric surgery experts created an outline of essential curricular content and intraoperative learning objectives for PSARP in three clinical scenarios. Twelve international subject matter experts were identified meeting strict inclusion criteria. Intraoperative checklists were revised using the modified-Delphi process.ResultsAfter five rounds of modifications to the intraoperative checklists, international consensus was achieved for three different clinical scenarios requiring a PSARP: perineal or vestibular fistula, low prostatic fistula, and bladder neck fistula.ConclusionsA modified-Delphi approach was successful in generating guidelines for surgical techniques that can be used to standardize intraoperative teaching and expectations for trainees.Type of studyDiagnostic studyLevel of evidenceLevel V (expert opinion)     

Expert consensus on surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Japan

BackgroundSurgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has changed significantly with the advent of new medical devices and surgical procedures. Today, pre- and postoperative management differs widely between institutions. The purpose of this study is to establish consensus regarding the surgical management of AIS in Japan through the use of a questionnaire survey of experienced spine deformity surgeons.MethodsFrom February to March 2020, experienced spine deformity surgeons who perform more than 25 cases of AIS surgery annually were asked to respond to a questionnaire request regarding AIS surgical management formulated by the International Affairs Committee of the Japanese Scoliosis Society. For each of the questions, consensus was achieved upon a 70% agreement among respondents.ResultsResponses were received from 25 of the 32 (78%) experienced spine deformity surgeons. The average age of the responding surgeons was 52 years with an average practice experience of 28 year. Consensus was achieved on 74 (76%) of the 97 aspects of care presented in the questionnaire and is broken down as follows: 12 of 17 items for preoperative management, all 5 items for perioperative management, 11 of 14 items for surgical technique, 9 of 15 items for implant selection, 6 of 8 items for bone grafting, 7 of 10 items for blood conservation, 5 of 7 items for postoperative management, all 17 items for postoperative evaluation, and 2 of 4 items for aftercare.ConclusionsExpert consensus was achieved on 74 aspects of the surgical management of AIS in Japan. In implant selection and aftercare, consensus was obtained in less than 70% of the aspects, revealing differences in AIS management between institutions. These findings on AIS surgery in Japan, informed by expert opinion, will conceivably help spine deformity surgeons determine appropriate surgical management of AIS.     

Pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography: Expert consensus from the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique et Congénitale (FCPC) and the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV)

This article was designed to provide a pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) expert panel consensus based on opinions of experts of the Société Française d’Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and of the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique Congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, CTA radiation dose reduction techniques, and post-processing techniques. The consensus was based on data from available literature (original papers, reviews and guidelines) and on opinions of a group of specialists with extensive experience in the use of CT imaging in congenital heart disease. In order to reach high potential and avoid pitfalls, CCTA in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, pediatric cardiac CCTA protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provided a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.     

Interobserver variance and patient heterogeneity influencing the treatment of grade I spondylolisthesis

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDespite well done randomized clinical trials, the role of fusion as an adjunct to decompression for the treatment of patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis remains controversial. There is substantial variation in the use of fusion as well as the techniques used for fusion for a population of patients all described by a single ICD10 code.PURPOSEWe sought to investigate the source of the variation in the perceived role of fusion by looking at surgeon as well as patient-specific factors.STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort study examining the variability of recommendations from an expert panel of surgeons-based imaging and clinical vignettes.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and stenosis.OUTCOME MEASURESA six-category treatment schema based on level of invasiveness of proposed surgeries with one through three representing nonfusion strategies and categories four through six representing fusion strategies.METHODSThe authors are conducting the ongoing spinal laminectomy vs instrumented pedicle screw II study in which patients with grade one degenerative spondylolisthesis and stenosis are randomized to two groups: a review group in which patients are treated as per recommendations of an expert panel and a nonreview group in which patients are treated as per the referring surgeon's preference. In the former (review group), clinical vignettes and radiographic studies were evaluated by an expert panel of spine surgeons. The panel then provided these recommendations to the referring surgeon. We investigated the underlying variability by looking both at the number of similar or different recommendations received by an individual patient (surgeon-related variability) as well as the number of similar or different recommendations offered by individual surgeons across the population of patients (patient heterogeneity). Agreement between surgeons for fusion vs nonfusion (Categories 1–3 vs 4–6) was calculated using a Kappa value from a mixed effects logistic regression model. We looked at Kappa for agreement and weighted Kappa for association of ratings on the ordinal 1 to 6 scale with a mixed effects linear regression model. Additionally, we analyzed the summary of data between patients after averaging the rater scores within patients. Similarly, we summarized the data between surgeons after averaging their scores over the patients that each surgeon reviewed.RESULTSOne hundred and fourteen patients received 1,463 treatment recommendations. On average, fusion was recommended 58.5% of the time. Overall agreement was low, and perfect agreement on the need for fusion was seen in only 24 (21.1%) of patients. Kappa statistic for agreement on fusion was 0.378 (95% confidence interval 0.324–0.432). The average score across surgeons was 4.2 (0.6) with a range of 3 to 5.3. The most common single recommendation was for fusion with interbody fusion (40.8%) and the lowest was for decompression with noninstrumented fusion (0.5%).CONCLUSIONSWe demonstrated variability in surgical approach when individual patients were evaluated by a panel of surgeons indicating that even "expert" surgeons disagree with each other regarding the need for fusion in individual patients. We were also able to demonstrate that individual patients received consistent recommendations that were very different from those received by other individuals evaluated by the same surgeons. This indicates that there is patient-related heterogeneity driving variability independent of surgeon factors.     

External validation of the recommendations of the multidisciplinary consensus about inhaled therapies

The understanding of physicians and the skill of patients in the use of inhalers continues to be inadequate.ObjectiveThe external validation, by an expert panel, of practical clinical recommendations that had been developed in order to improve the knowledge and understanding of correct inhaled therapy use.MethodsAfter a bibliographic review about inhaled therapies, 40 clinical recommendations were proposed. A two-round modified Delphi consensus was used to compare the opinions of a panel of 59 experts about the recommendations, which were grouped into 8 areas: general aspects (4), inhaled drugs (9), pressurized metered-dose and spacer inhalers (6), powder inhalers (4), nebulizers (3), devices for mechanical ventilation (3), inhalers for children (5) and issues related with compliance and education (6).ResultsAfter the first round of the consensus panel, 35 of the 40 recommendations analyzed were accepted. At the end of round 2, agreement was reached in 39 (97.5%). In 8 (20%), the consensus was unanimous (100%). Item 14 was deleted from the recommendations as consensus was not reached.ConclusionsThe external validation by experts in inhaled therapy found a high level of agreement with the clinical recommendations proposed. This consensus provides a tool that could contribute to the improved use of inhalers in our country in the future.     

Guía clínica de la Asociación Europea de Urología sobre el tratamiento quirúrgico de la incontinencia urinaria

ContextThe European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urinary incontinence published in March 2012 have been rewritten based on an independent systematic review carried out by the EAU guidelines panel using a sustainable methodology.ObjectiveWe present a short version here of the full guidelines on the surgical treatment of patients with urinary incontinence, with the aim of dissemination to a wider audience.Evidence acquisitionEvidence appraisal included a pragmatic review of existing systematic reviews and independent new literature searches based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome (PICO) questions. The appraisal of papers was carried out by an international panel of experts, who also collaborated in a series of consensus discussions, to develop concise structured evidence summaries and action-based recommendations using a modified Oxford system.Evidence summaryThe full version of the guidance is available online (www.uroweb.org/guidelines/online-guidelines/). The guidance includes algorithms that refer the reader back to the supporting evidence and have greater accessibility in daily clinical practice. Two original meta-analyses were carried out specifically for these guidelines and are included in this report.ConclusionsThese new guidelines present an up-to-date summary of the available evidence, together with clear clinical algorithms and action-based recommendations based on the best available evidence. Where high-level evidence is lacking, they present a consensus of expert panel opinion.     

Distal rectus femoris surgery in children with cerebral palsy: results of a Delphi consensus project

PurposeThe purpose of this study was for an international panel of experts to establish consensus indications for distal rectus femoris surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a modified Delphi method.MethodsThe panel used a five-level Likert scale to record agreement or disagreement with 33 statements regarding distal rectus femoris surgery. The panel responded to statements regarding general characteristics, clinical indications, computerized gait data, intraoperative techniques and outcome measures. Consensus was defined as at least 80% of responses being in the highest or lowest two of the five Likert ratings, and general agreement as 60% to 79% falling into the highest or lowest two ratings. There was no agreement if neither threshold was reached.ResultsConsensus or general agreement was reached for 17 of 33 statements (52%). There was general consensus that distal rectus femoris surgery is better for stiff knee gait than is proximal rectus femoris release. There was no consensus about whether the results of distal rectus femoris release were comparable to those following distal rectus femoris transfer. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level was an important factor for the panel, with the best outcomes expected in children functioning at GMFCS levels I and II. The panel also reached consensus that they do distal rectus femoris surgery less frequently than earlier in their careers, in large part reflecting the narrowing of indications for this surgery over the last decade.ConclusionThis study can help paediatric orthopaedic surgeons optimize decision-making for, and outcomes of, distal rectus femoris surgery in children with CP.Level of evidenceV